Arthur Ssegwanyi’s dominance in East African chess was once again felt on Sunday as he outwitted Fide Master Harold Wanyama to win the inaugural Kireka Chess Club Open Chess Championship.
Ssegwanyi, reigning Tanzania Open champion drew against Haruna Nsubuga and Grace Daniel Nsubuga in the sixth and seventh round respectively, but the No.1 seed was able to bounce back on time to outsmart Wanyama in the final round of the event.
With seven points collected, the International Master tied points with FM Nsubuga, but took home the top reward on a tie-break.
Kireka board three player, Simon Gonza came third with 6.5points.
Youngster Micheal Basangwa enjoyed an impressive tournament as he came fourth with 6points. The 2014 U15 National Junior champion beat Allan Benjamin Mande in the last round to earn an excellent finish.
It was a disappointing tournament for titled players as four finished outside rewarding positions. With two defeats to Joshua Katamba and Ssegwanyi, Wanyama finished seventh, while Patrick Kawuma- another FM who entered the event ranked fourth came 12th.
Candidate Masters Bob Bibasa, Ben Magana and Daniel Baagadde came 9th, 11th and 27th.
In the ladies category, Women Fide Master Ivy Clare Amoko won the category with seven points.